Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka fall in anticipated returns at the Marbella Challenger

FLASHBACK: Thiem talks one-handed backhands on TC Live during 2021 US Open

Top seed Dominic Thiem fell in his comeback match at the Marbella Challenger, but plans to get straight back to competition next week in Marrakech.

Playing his first competitive event since hurting his wrist at the grass tournament in Mallorca in 2021, the 28-year-old from Austria lost, 6-3, 6-4, to Pedro Cachin.

"Today’s been one of those days with big emotions and mixed feelings," said Thiem on social media. "I was able to play again to feel the adrenaline of the competition. I felt like a player again."

But he noted this was just the first event of his return to action, which follows several delays including withdrawals at the Australian Open, Cordoba, and Indian Wells.

"The only thing I can say is that I am going to give it all to try to come back to my best level," said Thiem, who has currently ranked No. 50.

Thiem, winner of the 2020 US Open, also announced that he will play next week's ATP clay-court event in Marrakech.

Another Grand Slam champion returning at Marbella this week, Stan Wawrinka, also bowed out, 6-2, 6-4, to Elias Ymer. Wawrinka has been sidelined for a year following two foot surgeries.

The 37-year-old, who has won three Grand Slams, has dropped below the Top 200 in the rankings. He has also accepted a wild card into the Monte Carlo Masters in two weeks.